​EndometriosisIn endometriosis - endometrium like tissue forms outside of the uterus in other areas of the body, such as the abdomen, bladder and bowel . In these other locations, the tissue develops into what are called “growths” or “implants.”Like the lining of the uterus, endometriosis respond to the hormones of the menstrual cycle. They can build up tissue and shed each cycle causing bleeding.The result of this bleeding and the immune problems that are part of endometriosis are the formation of scar tissue, pain, and other complications.Endometriosis is thought to be caused by a retrograde flow of menstrual blood and tissue back through the fallopian tubes, into the pelvis, but this has not been proven. There is no known cause of endo, but it is highly likely that certain genes predispose women to develop the diseases. Thus women have a higher risk of developing endo if their mother and / or sisters are also affected

Symptoms

Back Pain

Bloating

Constipation

Depression

Diarrhoea

Dysmenorrhea

Excessive Bleeding

Fatigue

Headache

Heavy menstruation

Infertility

Intense Cramps

Nausea

Painful periods

Painful intercourse

Painful urination

Pelvic pain

Weight gain

DiagnosisThe symptoms of endometriosis overlap with a range of other gynaecological and gastrointestinal conditions – including IBS.

Women wait up to 12 years before a correct diagnosis of endometriosis is made.

A diagnosis of endometriosis is also sometimes made preemptively (based on history and symptoms) and treated empiricallyHowever, severe symptoms often lead to more invasive investigations.

While transvaginal and transrectal ultrasound can accurately detect deep infiltrating endometriosis, most women with endometriosis have lesions that have only implanted superficially and these cannot be detected using ultrasound.